Tom Hanks's casting call for local Somali actors

While casting directors for MTV's Real World will be in town this weekend in hopes of casting interesting folks for its 23rd season, the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood will soon be hosting an even bigger audition opportunity. Next week, movie reps will be hosting a casting call for Tom Hanks's latest feature film, Capt. Phillips.

The film follows the 2009 true story of Captain Richard Phillips, who
agreed to be held captive by Somali pirates in exchange for the safety
of his crew. Several days later, Phillips was rescued by Navy Seals in a
raid that left three of the hostages dead.

It's a touchy
subject to say the least, but according to a recent piece by Minnesota Public Radio, casting consultant Debbie DeLisi states
that the script centers on the "profound, mutual respect" between Capt.
Phillips and the leader of the Somali pirates who captured him.

DeLisi has experience casting in the Twin Cities, she also cast Hmong Minnesotans for Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino.

The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, November 5 at the Brian Coyle Center (420 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis). Hopefuls can show up anytime during these hours, and are asked to bring a non-returnable current photo (if available).